The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has begun taking steps to implement the directives issued by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, during her campaign visit to Karatu District in Arusha Region, where she instructed TRA to expand the scope of its services.

Speaking during a visit to Karatu on February 14, 2026, TRA Commissioner General Mr. Yusuph Juma Mwenda said that during the 2025 election campaign, President Samia promised to expand tax services within 100 days, and that implementation has now officially begun.

Mr. Mwenda explained that in the initial stages of implementing the President’s directives, he has met and held discussions with various businesspeople, including tourism operators, before making a decision on whether to establish a new tax region or expand existing services. He also held talks with the Karatu District Commissioner, Dr. Lameck Karanga.

The Commissioner General stated that TRA will continue to provide quality services to taxpayers across the country, including those in Karatu District, and will keep listening to and resolving their challenges.

“I would like to assure all taxpayers that we will continue to facilitate your businesses and provide quality services while increasingly using digital systems, including IDRAS,” said Mwenda.

He added that TRA will continue to provide regular tax education to taxpayers.

For his part, the Karatu District Commissioner, Dr. Lameck Karanga, said they were pleased with the Commissioner General’s visit and noted that the district has a strong economy driven by tourism activities.

He said they have been working closely with TRA on various tax matters, which has enabled them to exceed revenue collection targets for all months.

On behalf of the business community, the Chairman of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) in Arusha Region, Mr. Wilbard Chambulo, commended TRA’s performance, saying it has brought services closer to the people and increased tax collections in Karatu District.

He said businesspeople in Karatu are ready to pay taxes voluntarily and praised the new Internal Domestic Revenue Administration System (IDRAS), which has been operational for one week and whose benefits are already being experienced through the services it provides.

According to Chambulo, the IDRAS system will be a solution to many tax-related challenges, including saving taxpayers time previously spent traveling to TRA offices for services.

“Through this system, there will be fairness in tax assessment because it is transparent and shows sales, purchases, and profits. Therefore, the taxpayer will get their rightful profit and TRA will receive its due tax,” said Chambulo.

Regarding tax evasion, Chambulo stated that those who evade taxes by not issuing receipts have no place in the tourism sector, as they are excluded from business transactions, compelling them to start issuing receipts.

Esther Dominic, who also spoke at the meeting, said IDRAS will help save time and has simplified many processes, including applying for a TIN online and obtaining a Tax Clearance certificate.

While in Karatu, Commissioner General Mwenda visited several taxpayers, including Gibbs Farm, where the Finance Manager, Mr. George Seostine, thanked him for visiting and listening to them, and commended TRA for introducing IDRAS, which he described as a remedy to tax challenges.

Seostine pledged to continue cooperating with TRA to help increase revenue collection and support the country in financing development projects.